Expanding Mental Health Access in Rural High Schools: Development and Testing of a College Student-Delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Intervention
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Summary
This research is being done to find out the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of a college student-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention in high schools in rural Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania to treat mental health problems (i.e. depression and anxiety) in adolescents. This project will respond to the need for evidence-based, acceptable, accessible, and low-cost adolescent cognitive-behavioral interventions that lead to long-term improvements in adolescents' mental health outcomes.
Description
The overarching goal of this study is to iteratively adapt and test an innovative mental health delivery model that leverages college students to provide cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to high school students in rural Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The investigators' preliminary data and established Community Advisory Board (CAB) support three key premises that drive this project. First, depression, anxiety, and stress are the most prevalent mental health challenges facing rural adolescents. Second, multiple barriers impede access to mental health care in rural communities, including pro…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 13–18 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * High school students ages 13-18 years. * Attending a participating rural high school in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. * Presenting with self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. Must have a t-score ≥ 55 on one or more of the following three measures: i. PROMIS Emotional Distress Depression short-form questionnaire ii. PROMIS Emotional Distress Anxiety short-form questionnaire iii. PROMIS Psychological Stress Experiences short-form questionnaire * English-speaking (to ensure comprehension of CBT materials and assessments). Exclusion Criteria: * Dia…
Interventions
- BehavioralStudent Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention
Our study aims to evaluate whether a 12-week cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program delivered in both group and individual formats by trained college students can effectively help adolescents with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. We will assess the program's feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness in a high school setting. Sessions will cover topics such as: understanding connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns, using exposure principles to face feared situations, building problem-solving skills, and engaging in positive activities.
Location
- Penn State College of MedicineHershey, Pennsylvania